Embodiments of a lift gate include comprise a foldable lift platform including multiple sections that are rotatable relative to one another for folding and unfolding the lift platform, a lifting mechanism for supporting and moving the lift platform, and at least one lift platform locking mechanism coupled to two adjacent sections of the lift platform to lock and unlock two adjacent sections of the lift platform together. The locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, such that in the locked position the locking mechanism restricts rotation of the two adjacent sections relative to one another.